Final chances for Lewis, Housler and Gresham

It’s the NFL offseason and we’re about six months away from the next football game. Naturally, we’re looking ahead to 2014. Here’s a list of five tight ends who need to step up next season, at the risk of being benched.

Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars

Marcedes Lewis (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

With two years left on his current contract and $16 million still owed to him, according to spotrac.com, Lewis needs to step up his play. He was rumored to be a possible cap-saving roster cut this offseason, but it appears Lewis is safe, for now.

If Jacksonville was mulling Lewis’ release, it may be waiting one more year to see if Harbor can take his place. If Lewis’ production from last season (25 receptions, 259 yards, four touchdowns) remains consistent, he may end up losing his spot.

Rob Housler, Arizona Cardinals

Rob Housler (Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports)

The Arizona Cardinals showcased two tight ends last season, begging either of them to become a viable pass-catching weapon. Both Housler and Jim Dray underwhelmed. Dray is a free agent, and Housler is in the final year of his contract. If he wants to stay with the Cardinals for the long term, his 39 receptions, 454 yards and one touchdown from last season won’t do it.

Housler becomes the de facto No. 1 tight end on the depth chart, but the franchise could consider adding other veterans this offseason to push for playing time.

TE John Carlson, released by Vikings this week, visiting #azcardinals today

Jermain Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have two tight ends whom they selected with the 21st overall picks in recent drafts, Tyler Eifert and Gresham. Eifert is coming off of his rookie season, in which he collected 39 catches for 445 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t going to scare defenses, but they’re on the heels of Gresham’s 46-reception, 458-yard, four-touchdown 2013 season.

The difference between the two is that Gresham is in his contract year, entering the final season of his rookie deal. If Gresham proves to the Bengals — and new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson — that he’s an invaluable commodity, he could be offered an extension. If he doesn’t produce, however, he’ll likely cede playing time, and possibly an eventual roster spot, to Eifert.

Also making the cut

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings

Rudolph is also in a contract year and will be playing for a new deal. He has showcased dynamic talent, such as his Pro-Bowl, nine-touchdown season in 2012. Rudolph, however, has been inconsistent and is coming off of a season in which he sustained a fractured foot. Part of the problem in Minnesota was the desperate quarterback situation. Next year, however, Rudolph will be playing for his future with the franchise, no matter who is throwing him the ball.

Jared Cook, St. Louis Rams

In the first season of his lucrative five-year deal, Cook registered 51 receptions, 671 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers are decent, but they’re not worth the $7 million per year that the Rams are paying him. If Cook doesn’t produce stats that befit that salary, St. Louis could consider requesting a restructured deal, or even possibly getting rid of Cook.